Over the past two years Pizza Hut has begun a massive brand-repositioning to modernize. With the tough economic times and people eating out less they have introduced, “The Hut” which aims to introduce fresher and more abundant toppings. It’s an effort to get back those consumers who have opted to eat in for healthier options. This new image, the red pizza boxes and their new menu items like multigrain pizza are part of Pizza Hut’s effort to reconnect with consumers.
Here is what Brian Niccol, Pizza Hut CMO had to say about the new concept on BrandWeek: “Design is a great way to create an emotional expression for your brand. But the pizza category has been a real laggard in doing that. Our red box is a game changer in packaging and design. And yes, we’re also introducing another vocabulary word with Pizza Hut, which is ‘The Hut.’ That ties in nicely with (today’s) texting generation. We wanted to make sure that Pizza Hut and ‘The Hut’ become common vernacular for our brand. Red is our mark and when you see that red roof, people will refer to it as ‘The Hut’ or ‘Pizza Hut.’ As we expand our online and mobile businesses, ‘The Hut’ is the perfect icon for our mobile generation.”
So what do you think about the new concept? Personally, I get the texting reference and the idea behind it but do I really think it will work? Maybe. In the recent past, I have witnessed through my niece how much things have changed due to the prevalence of texting. It is literally the new form of communicating. Kids aren’t picking up the phone anymore even if it is something extremely important, instead they are texting and if this trend continues I think “The Hut” has a chance of catching on. Only time will tell.
-Bethany
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